Andorra Joins International Science Council as New Member

Andorra Research + Innovation (AR+I) has become a member of the International Science Council (ISC), the world's leading independent body promoting science as a global public good. The Paris-based organization brings together more than 250 national academies, research organizations, and key scientific institutions.

AR+I manager Marta Domènech described the step as vital for linking Andorra to major international scientific discussions while offering a platform to share the country's insights. "Joining the International Science Council allows us to connect Andorra with the main global spaces for scientific reflection and, at the same time, contribute from our own reality and capabilities," she stated in a release. "At a time when science and knowledge face new challenges, being part of this network is also a commitment to the values of cooperation, rigor, and evidence."

Established in 2018 through the merger of the International Council for Science (ICSU) and the International Social Science Council (ISSC), the ISC champions natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Its work focuses on global sustainability, systemic risks, science-policy interfaces, open science, global health, and emerging technologies. It acts as a voice for scientists before governments and bodies like the United Nations, advocating evidence-based responses to issues such as climate change and pandemics.

Membership provides Andorra with access to international studies and projects to tackle local challenges. It also enables the country to highlight its strengths in mountain ecosystems, climate adaptation, sustainability, natural hazards, environmental health, and territorial innovation.

The affiliation recognizes AR+I's push to apply research and evidence for national gain. It bolsters Andorra's data-driven policies amid concerns over misinformation, attacks on scientific evidence, and limits on academic freedom, reinforcing the country's international research profile and the push for collaborative science to address modern threats.